Griggs courier., 1887-11-25
they bound themselves together by
written compact: how they found |

II AAAN - xSSAs
cost me twenty thousand dollars, for
which outlay the government pays me
ono hundred thousand dollars, which
is eighty thousand dollars clear gain.
In two more / shall be in good trim,
and then I shall ask old Juarez for
Emilia. I think she admired me last
night when I said my adieu;" and he
looked at his pistol, his fine watch and
elegant hat, and-a rifle-ball whistled
through the coach-window,. followed
by a command of ..Pararse" (halt).
There is no discussing such an order
given under such circumstances.
1t was not possible for Mr.. Wood to
say just how he looked. but he felt very
pale, when pleasant, gentlemanly
voice at the window inquired: Have
the honor of addressing Senior Edgaro
Woodp"
''That is my name, sir.''
'.Ah. Don Edgaro. I am SO sorry to
have to molest you in your journey,
but won't you do me the favor to alight
for monlentp''
Now, if there was one quality on
which that gentleman prided himself
more than on another, it was the
superiority Of his manners. He was
known as the polite American of Mex
leo, and so, when addressed simple
request in such courteous terms, he
was fain to comply.
He therefore alighted, and tried to
do SO promptly. but his motions were
not SO graceful as usual; there seemed
tremulous excitement, almost stag
ger in his movements, when he looked
about him. &sN
Four men, armed with cutlasses,
rifles and revolvers stood ready to re-
ceiye him. The upper half of each
face was covered with black mask.
They were evidently natives, save one
- whose head, broader than the
others at the temples, and ruddy face
below the mask, ending in thin,
frouzly, tow-colored goatee-seemed to
indicate an Englishman. Mr.. Wood.
noting him carefully, thought he had
seen him before, but failed in every at
tempt to place him.
"Senor Wood" said the spokesman,
advancing, II am pleased to meet
you, and regret that you are not able
to reciprocate the cordial sentiments
entertain for you. / must say. Ami-
guiuo, you wear a charming hat, and
such things are so common to you that
am sure there will be no objection to
an exchange. See what poor thing
I wear, and so unsuited to my years
and position in society! it fits we'll,
too. And also, Senor Wood, you are
said to possess an excellent watch; that
sir, would be an extremely convenient
article to have. in my profession, that
may be prompt in meeting the stage,
and thus avoid tiresome watching l
will acc pit 1t. with your permission"
Mr.. Wood was rapidly learning to
adapt himself to circumstances. He
knew he must submit to being stripped,
so. handing over the watch with the
best grace possible, he said, with q
smile and bow: ''May present you
with pistol, as good as there is in the
republic, except. your ownP'
''Oh, senior! now you fatter me; I
accept it in your name, Axaigwillo
And also, senor, I admire your coat;
let us exchange; your trousers, too.
will fit me nicely, and your boots, even
if little large, will be better than
these. Have the goodness to be seated
on my old coat, and we will assist you
in removing them; we are experienced
valets.''
To have observed the face of Mr.. Ed
gar Wood now, you would have thought
he was engaged in frolic. He used to
say, in telling this story. that he felt
all through the performance as if he
were being joked by friend.
':And now," continued the ladron,
.'we will trouble you, Senor Wood, to
pass out your valise, if you will be SO
obliging."
Mr.. Wood hesitated for the first time,
and looked around, but there was no
mercy; the muzzles of three pieces
looked into his eyes, while he replied:
Every we'll, gentlemen, if you insist. :"
He handed out the heavy valise. which
was taken aside by the Mexicans,
while the English-looking thief kept
guard at the stage-door. When the
precious cargo was removed to short
distance from its owner the sentinel
muttered to him in English: If you
give me two thousand dollars, unseen,
from your belt, you can save the rest;
otherwise, I'll fix every dollar you've
got"
Mr.. Wood felt sure he had some-